In Northwest Colorado, the planned closure of a number of coal mines and plants is predicted to eliminate roughly 2,800 jobs throughout Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties. In order to develop a roadmap for transition, Routt County and the Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC) will establish a Rural Innovation Center to collaborate with local partners and spur sustainable economic development in a variety of sectors throughout the region. Some of the features of the Rural Innovation Center include entrepreneurial assistance programs, a small business revolving loan fund, and workforce development initiatives in partnership with local community colleges.
“The grant funding received from The Just Transition Fund has been key in the next step for our organization. The flexibility of JTF funding will allow the Northwest Colorado Development Council to establish an innovation center to house multiple economic and business services. This will start with business planning and support continuing thru to succession planning. Providing access to service providers and mentors along with angel investors. The Innovation Center will have a revolving loan program that could transform into a Community Financial Development Institution. The Innovation center will fill the economic development needs of Northwest Colorado community now and into the future. I wish to thank The Just Transition Fund for their vision and support.”
– Tim Redmond, County Commissioner District II, Steamboat Springs, CO
Moffat County Commissioner Melody Villard (Vice Chair); Craig Mayor Chris Nichols; Routt County Commissioner Tim Redmond (Chair NWCDC)
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